Master of Architecture (Professional)

Masters (Coursework)

Want to become a registered architect? If you've already completed an undergraduate degree in architecture, this master's degree provides you with the advanced knowledge and skills to become a registered architect.

Key details

Degree Type

Masters (Coursework)

Intake Months

Feb

Domestic Fees

$8,400 per year

International Fees

$32,877 per year

About this course

This programme is the final step in becoming a fully registered architect. In this programme you explore at a postgraduate level what it takes to create architectural works of merit and value, and learn to incorporate innovative design research into your architecture practice. Develop the ability to promote sustainable and ethical approaches, and collaborate effectively with different disciplines on architectural design projects. You'll also further your ability to critically reflect on your own work and that of others.

Get Industry Recognised

This programme is recognised by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board, New Zealand Institute of Architects, and the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia. Which means this leads to initial industry registration as an architect in New Zealand.

Highlights

Leads to industry registration: together with the Bachelor of Architectural Studies, it forms a five-year package that prepares you to become a registered architect.
A lively, engaging and challenging architecture programme.
Focus on advanced knowledge of architectural and urban design issues in New Zealand.
Compulsory work experience of 480 hours over two years, giving you an essential insight into contemporary architectural practices.
Includes a major research project on an area of your interest.
Experienced lecturers, currently practicing part-time staff and visiting experts from New Zealand and overseas.
A wide range of elective courses that cover topics like architecture in the Pacific, urban housing design, climate-responsive architecture, high-performance cladding, digital fabrication and design economics.
Choose to take up the new elective course "Designing with Low Carbon Materials Elective (ARCH8624)". This course explores the environmental credentials, material properties and design implications of low carbon building materials.

Preparing for your application

Your GPA
Applicants must have a recognised undergraduate degree in the discipline of architecture with a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 or higher for all level 7 courses. Open our GPA Calculator to determine your GPA.

Portfolio requirements
If you are invited for an interview, you will be asked to present a portfolio of your design work. You should be ready to discuss your professional history, the ideas within your work, your interests and the area of research by design that you are considering.
You should have a significant portfolio of professional work that will enable you to reflect critically on your practice. See our portfolio guidelines to help you prepare.

Scholarships and Awards

We want to manaaki student success wherever we can - and scholarships are one of the ways we can do that. We have scholarships that recognise the achievements and challenges of dedicating yourself to learning.
Check out the Master of Architecture Scholarship we have on offer or have a chat with our Scholarship Advisor- Postgraduate Scholarships

Entry requirements

What you will need to study this programme.

Domestic students

Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

A recognised Bachelor's degree in the discipline of architecture, with a grade point average of 4.0 (grade of B-) or higher in all Level 7 courses. Or
A recognised postgraduate diploma in a discipline appropriate to the proposed project, with a B- average. Or
A professional qualification in a relevant discipline recognised as being equivalent to the above

And meet one of the English entry requirements;

University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Maori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.

Non-Academic requirements

A significant portfolio of professional work sufficient to enable critical reflection on your prior practice

Don't meet these Academic requirements?

If you don't meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we'll discuss your next steps.
If you don't meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 475 KB)

International students Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

A recognised Bachelor's degree in the discipline of architecture, with a grade point average of 4.0 (grade of B-) or higher in all Level 7 courses. Or
A recognised postgraduate diploma in a discipline appropriate to the proposed project, with a B- average. Or
A professional qualification in a relevant discipline recognised as being equivalent to the above

And English entry requirements;

If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6.5 with no band score lower than 6
University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Maori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.

Non-Academic requirements

A significant portfolio of professional work sufficient to enable critical reflection on your prior practice

Don't meet these Academic requirements?

If you don't meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we'll discuss your next steps.
If you don't meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 475 KB)

Study locations

Mt Albert

Career pathways

- Architect working in a range of settings

Unitec Institute of Technology